The Office of Professor Bentley [Seventh Floor Corridor]
 

couldn't find the waiting room
 

Angel had not slept much since coming the Hogwarts so she was rather cross this morning and had a small headache, she wished she was back home with her mum and dad, her sisters seemed to have been able to get to grips with this place but for her she was just missing her bit of garden that her mum had given to her, she knew her mum said she'd look after it but she thought she'd rather have done it herself.

*knock* *knock*

Angel had an appointment and so she knocked on the door and waited for the Professor to open it, she had been crying on the way up her but well she had managed to stop now though her face still showed the evidence of the crying she had done.

that's because there is none ;)
 

Despite the emotionally overwhelming start to the term, things had settled down some, and now Seren was more or less into the swing of things. From managing the greenhouses, planning curriculum, tending to the Lions and taking appointments, she had it all covered. It was just as she set down the teapot in its floral print tea-cosy that she heard a knocking at her door - no doubt signalling her visitors arrival. "Coming," she called as she neared the door, pulling it wide open.

She'd been grinning broadly until she saw the Gryffindor's face. Angel Valentine. "Oh.. dear, you'd best come in," she noted softly, her arms wide and gesturing for her to enter. Merlin the girl looked like she needed a hug.

Angel slowly and quietly walking into the Professor office, "Hi Professor." Angel managed a small smile after struggling for a few seconds with herself but as soon as the greeting was over the smile vanished from her lips and she went back to being upset, she just kept thinking about what she was missing at home and how her sisters seemed to be able to cope better than she was.

Angel just stood there in the Professor office, trying to stop the tears that were trying to come again. She did like Hogwarts but as someone once said, there's no place like home and Angel was totally missing home and the garden that she had.

....................... 0_____________________o



Seren watched as Angel entered, and closed the door behind her. There was no mistaking the fact that the girl was upset, that much had been evident on her face the moment she saw her... and it only seemed to be getting worse. In fact, she reminded her of Derfael in that sense, just watching his face contort before the tears came. Merlin. Tears.

Instinctively, Seren stepped up to Angel and put her arms around her into a hug. Shhhhhh shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. ".... it's going to be alright... come, tell me what's wrong," she soothed, gesturing to the puffy stools where she too sat herself - unwilling at this point to put a table between them. It was hardly conducive to nurturing. "Can I pour you a tea?" she asked.

O_____________________________o

Angel had not been expecting the Professor to hug her, she just stared into space a few seconds before returning the hug that the Professor was giving her. "I..." Angel stopped for a few seconds trying to stop the tears that were forming in her eyes.

"I.. miss home and my garden." Angel sighed as she felt the first tear coming down her face. "I have my very own garden at home because I love gardening." Angel sighed as she tried to hold back the tears but she wasn't very successful. "My mum says she'll look after the garden but it's not the same anything can go wrong." Angel sighed and then heard what the Professor said next.

"Yes please." Angel really wanted a cup of tea to try and calm her shaking nerves down, she really missed home.

Uh oh ...

Perhaps hugging the girl wasn't the right move, there were actual tears now. Unfortunately for her, Angel was not Derfael, she couldn't simply fix her a bottle of tea and craddle her in her arms ... couldn't she? Could she? ... Noooooooo.

Pouring herself and Angel some tea, Seren moved the sugar bowl between them before adding one to her own cup. She was listening, and nodding, and she could relate to the Lioness's woes. "I know how you feel," she replied with a small smile. "When I first started I felt the same way. My garden was at home, I was here in a strange place by myself," though Angel at least had sisters with her, that was a little less lonely.. "but I just so dearly missed my flitterbloom," she reflected, crossing one leg over the other before helping herself to a sip of tea.

"You know what I found helped?" she asked rhetorically before continuing, replacing her cup in her saucer. "I started up my own garden here. I still sent mum directions on what to do at home, and she sent me photographs to show me they were fine..." and then she had two gardens, which was even better than one. No?

Angel added a spoonful of sugar into her tea and then took a sip of it whilst trying to figure out in her mind what the Professor had said. "I know but it's just hard to leave them behind, I'm sure my mum will take good care of them but I wish I was there to make sure nothing bad happens to them." Angel sighed. "I love garden, I've planted a rose bush which is doing amazing and then there's all sorts of different plants." Angel then realised what the professor said. "You have a garden here?" Angel drank a bit more of the drink. "Do you think I can help you water the plants and things like that?" Angel hoped the Professor would say yes. "I'm good at de-weeding." Angel didn't mind doing that, she in-fact enjoyed it. "Have you read any gardening books?" Angel was getting a bit happier now, the professor seemed to understand where she was coming from.

From what she could gather, Angel was rather passionate about her plants, and this was something she could definitely empathise with. "Have you considered asking your mum to send you your favourite one? Keep it here at the school with you?" Something easily transportable and potted? That was always an option, and it wasn't as if she was going to say no to the girl keeping it in the greenhouses or in her dorm for that matter.

"I have a garden everywhere I go," she replied with a firm nod before sipping her tea. She was after all an enthusiastic herbologist, how could she not have a specimen or two with her at all times? "You're always more than welcome to help me out in the gardens and greenhouses, there's never a shortage of work to be done, and I'd appreciate the company."

For whatever reason, by all accounts, it seemed as though Angel was cheering up. It must have been the tea. Tea did that to people. As for reading gardening books, that was a given. Seren nodded to communicate her yes, "Of course, and I've written a few books too," she replied brightly. "You know, before formally studying herbology, I was a landscape designer, had my own business and all."

Angel drank a bit more of her tea and listened to what the Professor said. "No I never thought of that, I didn't think a school would allow you to keep plants anywhere." Angel was shocked when she found out that this school taught Herbology, her old school never did which she thought was a shame. "I've got my favourite lily that is already in a pot in my bedroom at home, I grow it myself." Angel said truthfully, she would ask her mum to send her that.

"I'd love to help you out." Angel really liked gardening. "I think gardening is relaxing and cool." Angel sipped a bit more of her tea before continuing. "I've actually help mum design the garden at home, I help decide which plants would go were." Angel then remembered something. "I even tried to get a maze added but mamma said there wasn't enough space." Angel sighed.

O___________________o

"You wrote books?" Angel thought that was cool. "Do they have them in the school Library?" Angel really wanted to read them now she thought it would be an amazing experience, her head of house being an Author. "That sounds cools." Angel decided to ask the professor something she hoped the professor wouldn't mind answering. "Professor if you don't mind me asking, why did you give your business up?"

Didn't think the school would allow them to keep plants? Pffft... of course they were allowed to, within reason. "Generally speaking we don't advertise or encourage students to keep plants outside of the greenhouses or student garden, and usually they just grow them here instead of bring them from home.... but there are always exceptions to the rule." And there was no harm in Angel having something from home to make her transition here easier. "Lilies are delightful, if you have it brought over, may I come and see it?" she asked hopefully. She didn't much mind making the occasional trip to Gryffindor tower, and if plants had anything to do with it she'd be there.

Setting her cup down on its saucer on the table, Seren moved a few tendrils of her long blonde hair over her shoulder as she listened to the first year. A budding herbologist perhaps? It seemed so. "I think so too," she agreed about the relaxing part, and the cool part too. "And my, you sound so accomplished for someone your age, I look forward to working with you more. In fact, a couple of the flutterby bushes in the greenhouses are starting to outgrow their space... I was thinking of planting them in the student garden. Perhaps you could assess where the best place for them would be?" She couldn't help but chuckle a little, and grin at the thought of the girl wanting to grow a maze. Seren could only imagine the type of suburban garden she must have had, and space was obviously a key factor in such a task.

"I did," she confirmed, taking up her cup again, but letting it rest in the palm of her hand. "I would imagine the library would have copies, certainly, Mr. Kitridge is very diligent with keeping the shelves up to date and well stocked." Not that she'd spent much time in there, at least not since she started as a Professor here. Even as a student she preferred to do her work in the common room away from prying public eyes. "I highly recommend the Fanged Flowers of the Amazon, it has amazing photography and illustrations."

It was then that she chose to take a sip of her tea, letting the cup rim rest against her lip as she drank from it deeply. Angel asked good questions, very good questions. "Well, I loved it... truly I did," she started, reflecting on some of the projects she managed. "But after a while it wasn't enough. I wanted to travel... to explore, so that's when I decided to sell up and study herbology professionally. I went on a few expeditions to Australia, the Amazon, the Swiss Alps and lastly just in Wales." Good times they were, there was nothing quite as satisfying as being out in the great outdoors.

Angel smiled at the Professor, she was feeling a little bit happier now, she couldn't wait to bring the lily from home and once she had finished here she would go straight away and send a letter to home. She sipped a bit more of the tea before continuing. "Of course you can Professor." Angel smiled. "I'll even get my mamma to send pictures of my garden, so you can see what else I've got." Angel just loved to mess about in the garden.

"I can't wait for the first Herbology lesson, I just love to go out in the garden and to spend time there, in the summer I normally spend 3 hours a day making sure they are perfected and well looked after." Angel didn't want a single weed in her garden and she wouldn't let it happen, not on her watch. "Oh I'd love to help you out Professor." Angel thought it would be an amazing experience to work with someone so good and maybe she could get a pointer or two.

"Awesome!" Angel beamed. "If the library has the Fanged Flowers of the Amazon in then I'll check it out to read." Angel had never heard of that book before, but she liked to see the plants when she read about them, that way she knew what they were and she knew how to take care of them better.

Angel beamed. "Professor when I'm older, I want to go on expeditions to the Amazon and other places." Angel really thought it would be cool. "I want to see what sort of plants are out there and what's the difference between plants here and there." Angel really thought it would be fun. "I just think it would be interesting to learn about plants from all around the world and to get to know the different types."

Angel may have been on the verge of tears earlier, but at this rate it would be her turn soon, which would no doubt follow with more hugs and more tea. It wasn't every day she came across a student that had the same passion for gardening and herbology as she did, and to an extent, she could see a younger version of herself in the girl. "That sounds delightful, I'd love that," she replied, cheeks tight from smiling. Of course her tea helped with soothing the mild ache, and it helped with giving her something to do that didn't involve wrapping her arms around Angel like a Devils Snare.

"You and I, are so much alike," Seren admitted out loud, "I could never and still can never get enough of my gardens and greenhouses, I could spend every waking minute in them if I chose to." So long as her husband and son joined her of course, they were her top priority, even in light of her love for flora. "Excellent, you'll find me out and about anytime."

Sipping her tea some more, and adjusting her position on her seat, Seren nodded as she absorbed Angel's enthusiasm. It pleased her to know she'd check out the book, it was one of her greatest accomplishments, or at least, she thought so. And there she went... she'd done it, said it, did it. Angel was considering going on expeditions in the future! A tear may have welled in the corner of her eye, but it didn't spill. "I absolutely encourage you to, and I still like to keep up to date with what's going on in the field so who knows, by that stage I'll likely be retired from teaching, we may even expedite together." And wasn't that an odd thought? Expediting with a student? Former student?... Mmm.

Angel beamed. "I'll get on it." Angel really loved her garden and she really hoped that the Professor would like what she had done with the space her mother had given her, she loved flowers and plants and anything to do with gardening. "Do you know Professor, I used to sit down on a summers day and read a story out loud to the plants." Angel wondered if the Professor thought se was nuts but well it was true. "I always thought it helped them to grow."

Angel looked a bit shocked at the next bit. "We are?" Angel had never been compared to anyone before but coming from the Professor this was a huge compliment and Angel could feel the tears coming back again but this time it was of joy. "Most people think I'm strange spending all the times with the plants." Angel said truthfully. "But I just love them and I spend as much time as I can with them, though my sisters and family come first." Angel would chose her family over anything.

"OH Professor, if you have retired from teaching, then I'm going to insist you come with us." Angel said, "I think it would be amazing to learn from the best and you are the best." Angel hadn't met anyone with such a dedication for plants before, and she was glad that this school had someone so cool, she couldn't wait to help the Professor with any work she needed doing.

........................ ..................... love, this girl understood the meaning of love. Surely. If she wasn't already impressed with the girls work ethic and devotion to gardening, then was now. Reading, to plants. It was... remarkable, the likeness between them. "I do that too," she affirmed, grinning brightly. "And I sing to them, and talk to them while I work... it's a nice way to pass the time, but I tend to agree, giving them that love and attention... that personal touch, it surely helps them grow." She was a firm believer in that.

"That's me too," she noted with a rigorous nod. "I was always captivated by plants... and creatures, but mostly plants... and I can understand your point of view. My husband and son will always come before my love for plants, but there's no reason why I can't adore both in equal measure." And it also helped that Aron was a herbologist too. Their son, well, he had little choice but to grow up loving flora too. Time spent in the garden was so nice when it was the three of them, and the two year old was fast growing an appetite for flowers, even if it was a literal appetite.

It was a good thing she didn't choke on her tea as she took a sip to warm her throat. Angel had made a pretty big call in saying that, and she could feel her cheeks going rosy from it. "That's very kind of you to say, Angel," she replied, definitely feeling as if more hugging and crying was in order. Merlin. Hormones. "And of course I would be delighted to go, I'm never one to pass up an opportunity like that, and an expedition with a valued former student of mine would be amazing." She gave Angel a wink here, she already felt quite close to the first year. It would be a good year... she could tell.

Angel beamed now, she had forgot about being sad about her garden, she had a Professor that knew how she thought about plants and was just like her. "I do that all the time." Professor. "I once spend a few hours, telling the plants all about my day at school and about the plants at school and things like that." Angel really liked this Professor, she just hoped the Professor would like her garden.

"I learned about plants from my father, he's a tourist guide." Angel beamed. "And he once had to learn all about the plants of this famous garden he was showing people around. I was 5 I think, maybe 6 and I helped him and ever since I've been hooked on them, like I said so much so I begged my mamma for a space in the garden for my own plants. Though I must admit my sisters thought I was nuts, I think they thought I was going to ask for a puppy or something though we already have a dog." Angel beamed.

"It just the truth Professor." Angel smiled as she sipped her tea, and then it was her turn to go red with what the Professor said. "That's kind of you Professor, and I'm aiming to be a top student for you this year." Angel hoped she could become one. "I'm also aiming to help other students and to be friendly to them." Angel really couldn't wait to make as many friends as she could.

Students like Angel were few and far between. It was now that Seren decided she would be keeping an extra special eye on the girl, she had so much potential... potential in herbology.

She listened with interest as Angel told her about her background, and it was certainly something she didn't yet know about the girls background. School forms could only say so much... but this was nice and helped her to better understand the girls context. "Does your father still garden with you?" she asked, curiously. It would be nice if they did. That was one thing she never had experienced, though she was in no way disadvantaged with her mother and grandparents.

And look at that, they'd exchanged compliments and embarrassed each other in the process. At least they were even. Her cup, now empty, was placed back down on the table and forgotten, especially in light of their conversation. "With your enthusiasm, skills and hard work ethic, I don't see at all why you can't be one of my top students this year," she smiled. It was true. All of those things were taken into consideration. And perhaps she might have already been a bit biased, considering the connection they were forming. "You're a remarkable young lady, I can see that your peers are already lucky to have you."

Angel smiled at the Professor. "Yeah he does sometimes, but normally he is very busy." Angel sighed, "He works really hard but when he can, he'll give me pointers on different things." Angel really loved it when she could spend loads of times with plants.

"I hope I can professor." Angel beamed. "I want to make you proud and I want to make my family proud." Angel would be happy if she could make it on the top student list. "I look forwards to spending time in the greenhouse this term with you Professor." Angel finished her cup of tea and then smiled at the Professor. "I think I should go, I expect you are wanting to get on with your lesson plans and things and I'm stopping you." Angel looked at Professor Bentley. "thanks for cheering me up."

"Aaaawww, well that's nice, it's always good to have someone to share your passions with." And it was even better if they were family. It was good to know Angel had that someone in her life, even if to a limited or moderate extent.

Seren smiled, she didn't doubt for a minute that Angel couldn't possibly achieve the honour of being one of the top students. She was eager, and already knowledgeable in the subject, there was much hope for her. "And I'm sure you will," she acknowledged with a resounding nod.

As for going... already? .... Seren looked at the time, and while she didn't want to get on with her lesson planning and administrative work, she needed to. "I suppose time has gotten away from us a bit... but you're always welcome to stop by if she feel the least bit poorly. It's what I'm here for," she smiled.

New setting!
 

Well....

....

This was, going to take getting used to.

She already missed the comfort and familiarity of her office and quarters, but it simply wasn't practical any longer. In fact, she was convinced she might have frozen to death in her sleep had she continued to stay out in the grounds. Te castle, was moderately warmer, or perhaps it only felt warm because it wasn't so cold. Either way, it was appreciated.

With a couple of boxes on her desk, Seren started unpacking some of her things... bits and pieces, nick-nacks and the like. She still needed her books....

Div HW 1 post 3 ...*knocks and leaves*
 

This assignment was probably the most embarrassing one he had ever made. And if the other option hadn't been writing an sort of essay he wouldn't have done it but...points. From what he had heard throughout the school was that Gryffindor was finally and possiby winning the House Cup. And Kevin did like winning.

With his 'valentine's card' hidden in his robe pocket, Kevin walked to the office of his Head of House. He was glad that he didn't have to go outside in the freezing cold and that her office was close by the common room now. He was also glad that Bentley happened to be his matching sign. Merlin's beard he didn't want to know what would happen if he had to make a card for someone like Culloden. The boy shuddered at the thought.

When he arrived, he made sure to look and see if anyone was there. But upon seeing no one he walked towards the door. He took the card out of his pocket and placed it on the floor in front of the door. Then he placed an empty ink bottle on top of it to secure it and then knocked SLAMMED his hand on the door a couple of times before he turned around and left the area.

No way he was staying when she looked at the card . This was embarrassing enough!

Loud noises!!!! ..... were disrupting her letter writing! ....

Seren's eyes darted to the door where the knockingslamming was coming from, and for a brief moment wondered if the sound had been made by design or if someone had tripped, hit their head and pounded on the door in an effort to get back up?...

There was only one way to find out.

Pushing herself out from her seat, Seren replaced her quill on its stand and approached her door, pealing it open and peaking outside.

Nobody.

Taking a step out, Seren scanned the corridor, but to no avail and was about to concede and head back inside, when something caught her eye.

"Oooohh.. that's not odd," she mused to herself, taking up the empty bottle and the card. A card!

She read it all the way back to her desk, the door closing softly behind her. How sweet. So very sweet... even if it was a little awkward. That was a card she would treasure for a very very long time. Thank you Mr. Hirase.

AJ had a delivery to make and it was to her very own head of house. It seemed as though the creature professor didn't snitch on AJ after all. The thought of getting detentions every week for the rest of the year was not a good one. She DID stop riding the unicorn so no harm done right? Surely, she would have known by now if he went to her head of house like he had threatened. A homemade card would make it all better though, she was pretty sure.

The lion had never been to Bentley's office before, and wondered if she was just supposed to show up? Knocking lightly on the door, she waited, hoping that the Herbology professor was actually in there.

There was very little to do now, considering the gardens were uninhabitable, and with all the surviving plants cooped up in a single room, it made doing rounds so much easier, and quicker.

The result of this was the ability to curl up in front of a fire, with thick woolly socks, and some curriculum planning to while away the hours. Or at least, that was the case until there was a knock at the door.

"Come in!" Seren called at the door, keeping herself glued to her chair, her knees raised to her chest for warmth.

Lucy arrived at the office of the Professo

r Bentley. She was embarassed..She was about to knock but she heard some voices behind the door..
There was already someome inside with her professor.
Lucy decided to let slip her card under the door.
She thought:"perhaps this is the best way to not disturb.."
Lucy took the card where there were these words.
Then Lucy slipped her card under the word

OOC: sorry there wasn't the attachment..

Totes missed the deadline, but showers you with love anyways. XD
 

Oh goody, her head of house was here. Now she wouldn't have to slide the card under the door. AJ really did wanna see the look on her face when she showed Bentley her artwork.

Upon entering she spotted the professor looking all snuggly, and AJ beamed at her. "Hello professor." The lion flipped the card between her fingers a few times. "I have something for you." Handing the card over to Bentley AJ had to fight the urge to shout out "open it" because she was that excited. Arts and crafts were not her thing, but she thought that she had done pretty well all things considered.

Inside the red card were hand drawn pictures of plants of varying degrees of dangerous. "There's me giving CPR to a plant." Because her and magic didn't always get along these days. "I'd totally not let a plant die on you professor." She was helpful in that way. Did Bentley read what she had written yet?

Again, delay, woopssss... >_< *is home now though*
 

She cracked a smile at the sight of Audrey... it was Audrey, yes? as she entered, and smiled even wider as she was presented with what looked like a card. "Hello dear," she greeted, letting her legs flop off the chair so she could sit proper. "I'm delighted, but you really shouldn't have," she cooed, accepting the card. Or wait, was this one of those homework assignments? If so, then of she should have. Kudos for that.

Eager to see what was inside, she flipped it open.... and what she saw, warmed her heart. "Aaaaaaawwwwww, Audrey! That's lovely." Indeed, she could hardly take her eyes away from it, scanning over the plants she'd drawn and admiring them. "This... and that, means a great deal to me, thank you." Because that sort of enthusiasm and loveliness could not go unappreciated.



It was only after a short while that Seren noticed there was something on her floor... and on closer inspection, it was another card. Aaawwwww! It was a charming little thing, and she could distinctly make out the shape of a tree in the form of sea shells.... too cute.

Smiling to herself, she took it and added it to her modest collection on the corner of her desk.

[Spoiler=Bentley]She cracked a smile at the sight of Audrey... it was Audrey, yes? as she entered, and smiled even wider as she was presented with what looked like a card. "Hello dear," she greeted, letting her legs flop off the chair so she could sit proper. "I'm delighted, but you really shouldn't have," she cooed, accepting the card. Or wait, was this one of those homework assignments? If so, then of she should have. Kudos for that.

Eager to see what was inside, she flipped it open.... and what she saw, warmed her heart. "Aaaaaaawwwwww, Audrey! That's lovely." Indeed, she could hardly take her eyes away from it, scanning over the plants she'd drawn and admiring them. "This... and that, means a great deal to me, thank you." Because that sort of enthusiasm and loveliness could not go unappreciated. [/Spoiler.]

This was not something that AJ would normally do, but it was a homework assignment, and it was a simple one so she couldn't just not do it. "It was my pleasure." Bentley didn't have to know that it was a homework assignment. Of course AJ had picked her out of the three possible professors so that was something to be proud of.

Wait a minute. Was her ears deceiving her? Did Bentley just call her Audrey? She was her little lion, and she didn't even have her name right. Tsk, tsk. "It's Aubrey with a B professor." A giggle escaped her lips. "You can call me AJ though." That was what she preferred. "I'm glad you like it." She had worked really hard on it.

separate timelines are grand, are they not? XD
 

It was her pleasure, now that was the sweetest thing. The sweetest. If there was one thing she could appreciate, it was when students took time and effort to produce something meaningful... something that she could hold onto as a keepsake, and cherish in her darkest hours. And at Hogwarts, there were many dark hours... it really was one disaster after another.

Suddenly though, she looked up. Aubrey. With a B. Isn't that what she said? "Of course it is, dear," she agreed with a convincing nod, "my mind isn't in a fit state at the minute.. too much work to do see," she noted, motioning to the papers littered around her. Curriculum planning always did do her head in. AJ though, she liked the sound of that. "AJ it is then," she mused, smiling brightly.

Was this all the girl had come for? Did she want to discuss something further? At any rate, it was an opportune moment to converse with the young Lioness.
"How have you found your first year so far?" she asked, curious to hear AJ's perspective. Considering the drama with the weather - something she was only too eager to escape - she couldn't help but wonder too if it was deterring students from the school. Potentially. If parents themselves weren't already wary.



She had heard the knocking on her door loud and clear, and for a brief moment hadn't thought much of it, but of course, her feet moved her in the direction of the door while she skimmed an letter she received in the post.

Swinging the door back on its hinges, allowing it to creak softly, she peered out at the form of Zander Adair, or more to the point, the back of him.

"Zander, can I help you with something?" she asked, folding the letter in her hand and stuffing it into the pocket of her red robe.



This was, perhaps the best way to go about it. Seren paced her office, pausing briefly to stick a poker in the fire that barely burned in the grate of the fireplace. It was useless. If there was any consolation to the cold that was permeating through the castle walls and seeping into her office through the window pane, it was her rabid indulgence of tea over the past months. Her own supplies had dwindled to the point where she had to purchase a great deal more to supplement her needs.

With tea on her mind, she turned her back to the suffocated flames and eyed the steaming pot on her desk, perhaps a cup now to settle the nerves would be advantageous.

The knock at her door interrupted her movements, and she found herself bracing mid-step and turning her attention instead to her office door. That must be Annie. It had taken her months to work up to this, and still she didn't have courage enough to knock on the Headmistresses door herself, leaving this as her only option. She made for a terrible Gryffindor in that sense.

Gingerly opening the door, Seren beamed at the Headmistress, all the while her nerves making her fingers dance along the surface of the door knob and the other inside her pocket. "Annie, please come in... thank you for meeting with me. I'd have payed you a visit myself, but I can't seem to bring myself to do so," she greeted, her honest words slipping out so casually. She extended her arm, gesturing for her to make herself welcome. "I have tea and biscuits," she offered, figuring it was an appropriate segue into what she wished to discuss.

Okay. No. He had decided. Maybe he'd deliver the present one day. BUT today was not that day. The Gryffindor quickly broke out into a run- because he had already knocked and he needed to be FAST.

He quickly stopped mid-sprint at the sound of that beautiful angelic voice calling him forth. Oh no. He wasn't quick enough. Darn. The panicked Gryffindor swiveled around in place, so that he was now facing Beautiful Bentley. "Oh hi Professor, fancy seeing you here,"... Her temporary office was here... Dumb Zander dumb. "I mean, not fancy because your office is here now and what I really meant was.. uhm.." What had he meant exactly? That he would like to have her hand in marriage and-- Too far.

The Gryffindor looked down as if he'd find the answer etched on the floor he was standing on and wait! The box! Oh yeah, "I-I have something I would like to give you Professor." PHEW! Well that had been close. The third year extended his arms and held out the floral box in front of him.

At first, he was planning on giving her his Bonsai. But then, he thought she may be offended about that. Besides, it was a reminder of her that he could take with him home over the summer. He would water that well in her memory. Yes. Right anyways the gift. Zander wasn't really sure if he should stay while she opened it, but he found himself glued to the ground. So he didn't really have much of a choice in that matter.

Within the floral patterned box- that he had picked out all special for her- was a bouquet of ice flowers. The Gryffindor was aware that using actual flowers in this temperature was hardly practical and also very cliche, so he opted for a different route. He used the Orchideous Stiriacus spell they learned in transfiguration to make a small icy bouquet of beautiful roses, tulips, and orchids. It had taken lots of practice- as his first bunch of flowers were complete fails and looked like garden weeds- but he was EXTREMELY proud of his end result.

At the very bottom of the box, there was a note written in his tight cursive handwriting. He had been sooooo sooo tempted to draw little hearts all around it, but he refrained from doing so. As this was a sentimental note, he did NOT need it to be the time he professed his love for her. That could come some other time. This had to be purely appreciative. See, this was meant to be for the divination homework, but he had put the delivery off for so long that it turned into something else. More of an end of the term thank you sort of thing. If only he could get out of the school and actually buy her something nice. UGh. Stupid storm. He had a Bentley to impress!

SPOILER!!: The Noteee

Professor Bentley,
Thanks a ton for everything you've done for our house and me this term! I will never forget that time when you showed mercy to me and Kevin in the dorms even though we probably deserved a yelling at. And it totally meant a whole lot that you never laughed at any of my stupid answers in class. I might not be the brightest, Professor, but I really am trying to make you proud. I also want to say thank you for being such an amazing Head of House. Gryffindor would not be the same without you! No matter what happens, regardless of who wins the house cup, we could not have made it this far without you! I really appreciate what you do for the school and what you've done for me. I know this is probably really cheesy, Professor, but before this term I never really talked to anyone all that much. But I think that now I'm putting myself out there a lot more and it's really thanks to the fact that you provide such an awesome support!

Thanks for being so awesome,
Zander Adair

Oooh there was Seren. Was it more frigid in up here than down in her own office or was that just Annie's imagination? Heat was supposed to RISE, not dissipate, but then... maybe there was no heat left in this old stone castle.

"Hi, not a problem," she greeted Seren as she popped into the office and over to a seat. The Headmistress had half a mind to put a warming spell on it before she parked herself, but that might seem rude. So instead she rubbed her arms and served herself some tea. And biscuits. The warm tea would make everything better, yes?

Once she was settled, she looked to the Herbology professor to hear about the reason for this visit.

AJ nodded her understanding. Her head of house had practically lost all of her plant children when the cold made the greenhouses, that were supposed to keep them safe, come crashing down upon them. "It's okay, professor." The lion never did really like the name her parents had given her. It wasn't as bad as Angel though. She would have died if that was her name. She would have forced her sister to trade with her. Girly names were the worse. Her parents could have at the very least came up with a unisex name, but no. "Wicked." That was one more person on board with her nickname. Hardly anybody called her by her first name, but she still had to train the Hogwartians.

Bentley wanted to talk about her? Well, she had been dadling. "Hogwarts is so cool. Having a magic wand is pretty epic. I've learned loads of things, and met some pretty cool people." Adi and Arista immediately popped into her head. They by far were two of the coolest people she had met so far. "The whole being snowed in thing is a major bummer. I'd kill to climb a tree right about now." She was going absolutely stir crazy in these castle walls. "How are your plants doing?" Surely they weren't all dead after all of the hard work everybody put into it.

Was it just her, or did she catch the Gryffindor in the act of running away? She cast a glance around them. What was he running away from exactly?...
She watched curiously, and listened attentively as he fumbled over his words. "Yes, fancy that indeed," she agreed with a solitary nod of the head. She had questions, but hoped he'd see sense and just out with it himself. The blonde smoothed down the hem of her sleeve, not because it was ruffled, but simply because the act filled the awkwardness at the current point in time.

As it so happened, she didn't need to wait for an explanation for long, because it came swiftly, and resulted in her eyebrows arching out of mild surprise. "You have something for me?" she questioned, repeating the boys words. "I have to say Mister Adair, this is very sweet of you," she smiled, taking a couple of steps toward the Gryffindor and accepting the floral box he held out to her. And to think, he was going to run away? With this? ... Why?

Seren was a little speechless, but her eyes roamed the surface of the box - admiring the print before even daring to open it. Of course, she did open it, how could she not? The contents of course, was astoundingly touching. "Oh Zander... that's... just beautiful," she trilled, applying a finger to the delicate ice flower within, delighting in its texture and crispness. "Oh.. and a note too," she mused, her eyes on Zander as she plucked it out. Was she supposed to read it now? Or later? Did it matter?... In the end she didn't care long enough to wait for protests or bothering to ask. Flipping it open, she read, as quickly as she was able to do.

...

......

...........

T_______________________T

....

Why? Why was this student breaking her heart?! WHY?!

"That... is the sweetest thing," she said softly, before snapping the lid back on the box and throwing her arms around the boys shoulders. "Thank you, and I am proud of you," she said into his ear, pausing there for a second before pulling away - hoping the tears welling in her eyes wasn't noticeable.

These kids would be the death of her.




It was easy to be casual with Annie, but in this instance, it felt strangely formal. So formal, and yet, not. Closing the door behind them, Seren settled herself back in her seat and peered at Annie over the space between them.

Judging by the Headmistress's silence, she would be the one to start things off... but really, what had she expected? Something that resembled a job interview? An interrogation?
"I'm sorry to say this has been troubling me for some time, and for a long while now I've wondered how to broach the topic or if I even wanted to... but I do," she started, certain that she wasn't making sense, but continuing anyway. "Ten years at a school is a long time, and I have a young family... and I need to spend more time with them," she continued, daring to avert her eyes briefly to extract a sealed envelope from her top drawer.

"I'd appreciate if you accepted my... letter of resignation."

Yes. That... this is what that was. Seren slid the envelope across the desk to her employer, and instead wrapped her hands around a cup and poured herself some much needed tea.



She could count and bless her lucky stars that Aubrey... AJ... not Audrey, was forgiving, because forgetting a person's name could be exceptionally insulting - it screamed carelessness. Still, she was forgiven, and AJ was a darling, so all she could do was smile.

And as delightful as that was, it was equally so hearing about the Gryffindor's experiences at the school. It all sounded positive... that was definitely noteworthy. "I'm glad to hear it, and from my observations and what I've heard, you've settled in quite nicely." Better than some first years have in the past. The snowed in thing, yes, that was a bummer indeed... a HUGE bummer. "Some things can't be helped, and some things take time.. so I'm sure it's only a matter of time." They would not be trapped, nope. "The plants are... well... they're struggling, but for the most part, it's as well as can be expected." Meaning some didn't make it, but they weren't all a lost cause.

Stares at this letter of resignation business. *coughnewlioncough* *hopes*
 

She had settled in nicely? Whew... what a relief that was. AJ knew that she was doing okay, but she was worried that the creatures professor would have snitched on her and the whole unicorn thing. Deep down he knew that AJ was just a unicorn enthusiast and he couldn't punish her for that. "Being with my sisters made it easier." Angel was in her house so it was almost the same as being at home. AJ could have done it on her own as well, but it would have been harder. "Summer is coming." Maybe that would help the winter storm on it's way out of here. She knew that the professors were working on it. AJ wasn't that worried. The first year had no intentions of telling her parents, and she would pass the word on to her sisters. Abby would be the hardest to convince.

"That's good." They didn't all kick the bucket. That was an accomplishment considering all that they went through. AJ was enjoying the chat with her head of house, but she was eager for another cup of hot cocoa, and to catch up with her sister. She promised Angel that she would meet up with her. "It was nice talking to you, but I need to meet up with Angel." She waved as she skipped out of the office.

*twiddles thumbs awkwardly* ... <333
 

Siblings. Yes, she could see how that would help ease the transition into such a... different place from home. Hogwarts was a home away from home, but it was large and imposing, even if it was magical. It only made her miss home more.

Summer though, now that, she could hardly wait for. "I don't think I've appreciated summer as much as I do this very moment.. I'll be glad once it's here." And it couldn't come sooner.

With their business done and dusted and knowing that AJ was comfortable with her experiences here so far, there really wasn't much left too it. So when the Gryffindor resigned herself to leaving, Seren grinned brightly and rose to see her out. "Of course, of course," she mused warmly. "Thank you for stopping by, and thank you for the card.. it's lovely."



It was agreed, ten years was a long time. But that aside, there was little else in the aftermath of her revelation.

.....

.........

Words escaped her, did they escape the Headmistress too? Without anything else to add, and without any reasssurances, Seren took to sipping her tea, peering over the top at her soon-to-be former boss.

.....

"I'm happy to leave all of my resources here if it'll make the transition for my replacement easier..." She doubted she'd be needing them again anytime soon.



Like it? Oh nooooo, no no no. Liking it just wouldn't cut it, "I love it," she replied insistently. It was definitely something to be treasured, not simply for it's beauty, but for the sentiment... it was the sentiment that struck a chord in her.

Usually when she found herself hugging her students - which was beginning to become a habit, especially now - she found they stood limply, or pulled away soon... but not Zander, he seemed confident enough in himself to accept it, and returned it too.
....

.....

........

And gosh, he had to keep speaking. If she wasn't on the verge of tears before, then she was now. Such sweet words, and it only made things harder. "Well, thank you.. you really have no idea how much that means to me," she replied softly, brushing away the making of a tear from the corner of her eye. Her bright smile though, was enough to communicate how happy she was in the moment. "And I meant what I said, I am proud of you... you're a stand up gentleman, Zander, what's not to be proud of?" He'd conducted himself well throughout the year and never gave her a reason to give him a stern talking to, never gave her reason to be concerned. It was easy with him, as bright - if not academic, as he was.

She loved it?

Loved it!?!!?!?!

Love.

;_________;

The Gryffindor suddenly felt a HUGE pang at his heart. It was most definitely getting all melty. Maybe this meant it was time to leave before he said something stupid? Because he definitely did not need to repeat that word. The L-word. That word that he wasn't allowed to say. Not to her. No. Zander Adair don't you L-word a Professor. Don't you do it.

........

HOLY MERLIN, was she CRYING!? Uh. This was not the intention. Hopefully those were happy tears, right? Not the sad ones? Uh. The Gryffindor felt himself suddenly tense up. Should he comment on it? Would that make her cry more? But. It was just a tear. That didn't mean she was crying. What if she just had something in her eye or something? Yeah. Not tears. He could not handle tears. But, she was smiling. So she was happy? So was she happy that something was in her eye... Or were they just plain happy tears? The Gryffindor had no idea.

But he couldn't even think about the tears anymore because she really was proud of him. CODE RED. "I-uh-I.." And suddenly he was stuck. He was stuck because he didn't know what to say or what to do or even what to think. The flutteries were back on full force. He was blushing. And he was starting to get all sweaty again. And he had no idea what to say. And this was his cue. Suddenly remembering what Lux had told him about avoiding Bentley, Zander's eyes lit up in panic. "I-thanks Professor that.. It means a lot to uh to hear that from you," shifty feet and rocking back and forth was now a thing. "And well, I'm really glad you.." The word. The word. "L-loved it and I well... You know... I should probably get to class now, but I'm really glad I stopped by.." Could someone please give this kid a muzzle.

Because he just would not stop.

Jasmine wanted to talk to Professor Bentley about........things. She had been thinking about everything that had happened during the term, some good, some bad. Most of all though, she had really enjoyed Herbology class. That was a total surprise to Jasmine because she always thought that she had a black thumb rather than a green one. She was happy that she hadn't killed any plants this year and had actually helped some. Walking up to Professor Bentley's office door, Jasmine knocked and waited.

It was a good thing she did her breathing exercises every morning, and was thus in a habit of breathing deeply, particularly during times of distress. She wasn't distressed per se, but the thought of leaving the school and the students - such as Zander - behind, was beginning to get to her. Could she go through with it? Could she really leave?

Just thinking about her son at home gave her the strength to smile through the pain, of course she could do this. She needed to, and she would.

Zander brought her back down to Earth, centering her in the odd way that he did as he continued to fumble his words. Perhaps this was a little awkward for him? "Of course, wouldn't want you to be late now," she acknowledged with a nod, "and I'm glad you stopped by too. I'll see you around Zander." But now, she needed to head back into her office and find a spot... a temporary spot, for the delicate ice flower.



Her schedule was relatively empty. There were far fewer plants to care for than at the beginning of term, and now she was closer to the Lions too, she didn't seem to need to make as many trips away from her office. In addition to that, with classes ending and term coming to a close, it was time to start packing her things, and so that's what she did... with a heavy heart.

Only the books from the small bookcase had been removed, some were already neatly stacked in a box, some others sat beside it, ready to be hauled away. Blowing off the dust from the top of one of the thick tomes, Seren wedged it into the bottom corner of the box where it fit snugly. The knock at her door had been expected, so without any hesitation she stopped what she was doing and went to greet her visitor.

"Jasmine, so good to see you... please come in, come in," she beamed upon opening the door. "Excuse the mess," she added as an afterthought, gesturing for her to take a seat, somewhere, anywhere.

Word circulated that a certain Professor was resigning, and one Ethan Mordaunt could not believe his ears when he learned that it was Professor Bentley. The boy was not the type who’d rely on gossips, and so he decided to pay the Herbologist a visit and let her be the one to tell him if she was really leaving or not. The Slytherin, expecting the worst of course, rehearsed the lines in his head. He got distracted however, upon seeing Bentley’s new and probably last post on her notice board, which was situated right next to the Dueling Information Board.

Wait, what? He made it to the ‘Herbologist Star-Flowers’? Was this the same as Botros’ List of Rune Masters? Yes? Sweeeeet! At least he knew he was doing something right, because how else would he end up in both lists, yeah? But…upon reading the message underneath their names, Ethan felt sad. Goodbyes are stupid. If there’s anything he hates in the world, it would be saying one’s farewell. Worse was leaving without saying anything, like his mom’s death.

Ethan eyed the grand staircase, the usual twinkle and energy he had was zapped in an instant. She really is leaving them, yeah? Merlin. Stuffing his hands inside his pockets, he made his way up the towers where her office was, trying to contain his sad feels.

He was too busy comparing his former Herbology professor with Bentley when he realized that he was already by her door. Goodbyes. Why?

Knock, knock, knock.

There was still so much to do, and so much to get her head around. Despite the fast approaching end of term feast, it felt like she had all the time in the world to wallow in self-pity and slowly, but surely, make a dent in clearing out her office. As with most things though, she procrastinated... opting to sit by the window and stare out at the grounds instead, her papers for filing on her desk forgotten.

Even hearing the knock on her door, it took her a moment to register what it really was, and hastily she moved from her seat to answer her door in person. She couldn't think who it might have been, her appointments were few and far between these days.

And of all the people it could have been, it was a face that she hadn't expected to see at her door. "Ethan," she started, "how can I help you?" Did he want to come in? Was he having problems with something? Was he interested in a career in herbology?!

Ethan forced a smile as the door opened and Bentley asking what she can do for him. “Can you not leave?” he thought, but then his eyes went from her to the scene behind the woman. There, another clue. She’s really leaving. “Hello, professor.” Maybe she’s just you know…preparing for a longer vacation? Ethan HOPED the rumours are just that. But…why was EVERYTHING almost packed? Like…there was no sign of her coming back? “I…just want to thank you for thinking that I deserve to be part of the Herbologist Star-Flowers. It was…unexpected.” Really it was, because he was really bad at the subject back in his old school.

“You’ve…packed everything? Will you be having a long vacation this summer?” Ethan slowly changed his expression from happy to concerned, while swallowing the bile in his mouth. He sort of confirmed his theory that she is indeed leaving Hogwarts for good because of the ‘evidence’. He hates this. Why does a brilliant professor have to leave? Why does it have to be now when he’s starting to improve in Herbology? What if…what if the next professor wasn’t as good as her?

Professor Bentley opened the door and invited Jasmine to come into her office. "Hi Professor Bentley. I wanted to......." O_______O There were boxes everywhere and the Professor appeared to be packing........to move back to the Greenhouses when the weather improved, right? Unfortunately, Jasmine had the feeling that this was not the case. Looking at the Professor with wide eyes, she said, "Are you going somewhere Professor Bentley?". Please say no, Please. She had not come here to say goodbye. Not goodbye!

Mhmm, yes, yes it was. Annie continued reading the letter while Seren sipped her tea and made the occasional comment. Oh wait, that was an important comment, not one to be glossed over. Thankfully, her resignation letter was short and straight to the point, so the redhead was already finished reading it by then.

"Oh, will you?" She brightened up considerably. "I took everything when I left --- cleared out the greenhouses, practically," she let out a short laugh, "but that's so generous of you, Seren. And on behalf of the staff and the Board of Governors," she straightened up and held out her hand, "Hogwarts thanks you for your years of service."

Paaaaaaaaause for handshake...

It had escaped her thoughts that Ethan perhaps wasn't expecting the accolade, but it was well deserved, so she nodded her approval. "You're most welcome, you worked extremely hard all year... it was well deserved." Stating the obvious with that one.

What surprised her more than the boys lack of self-confidence in the subject, was that he was asking about her summer... and vacations. Pausing, she peered behind her at the mess. The office was never meant to be permanent, so there was little to suggest much of anything in packing things up, especially now that the weather issue was being managed. Her old office would be fit for occupation again in no time at all. But that wasn't the reason for her packing. "Something like that," she replied uncertainly. Of course, that was a half truth, a terrible half truth... and it was about time she started acknowledging the future. "I'm actually taking some time off from teaching, so I won't be returning next year..."



Closing the door behind the Ravenclaw, Seren side-stepped one of the boxes and returned to the pile of books that so diligently held her attention. It didn't occur to her how unusual it all must have looked for Jasmine. The answer to the girls question was a tricky one, one she had avoided for months now, but there was little point in ignoring it now. "I am, I'm going home..." just as everyone else did for the summer break. The only difference was that she wouldn't be returning.

...

"So... was there something I could help you with?"



She would, yes, her nod was confirmation of this. Though... that wasn't to say she was leaving everything here, and a small nervous chuckle left her lips at the mention of clearing out the greenhouses. Obviously over the years she had invested a great deal of her own resources and income into getting the greenhouses up to the standard she wanted... and while the recent ice age - so to speak - saw to the destruction of much of the stocks, there were still some specimens she wasn't willing to part with. They were going home with her. "I'll leave what I no longer need," she stated with a polite smile. Her files and things, for example, would no longer be required.

Generous was never a term she had attributed to herself, but she supposed it was relevant, to an extent. The expression of thanks from the redhead was appreciated, and so she engaged the woman in a handshake without a seconds thought. "It was pleasure, honestly, and thank you for all the opportunities you have afforded me in my time here. I'm sad to be leaving, but it's the right thing to do for my family and I." She retracted her hand after a short moment, her shoulders feeling lighter without the burden of the news.

Going home? Something in the Professor's voice told Jasmine that she wasn't going home to the Greenhouses. She wasn't just going home for the summer. She was going home and not coming back. Jasmine was sure of it. Oh this was too much. First Cris, now Professor Bentley. For a moment she didn't know what to say, but if she didn't start talking quickly, she knew she would cry. So Jasmine proceeded to say what she had come to say in the first place.

"I just came to thank you for making me a Herbology Star Flower. If you had told me that would happen at the beginning of the term I would have laughed at you. I've never been very good with plants, but you and Cris encouraged me so much. I really enjoyed being in your class. I learned so much. I-I-I learned to love the plants........so thank you very much." Jasmine felt so overwhelmed. She was really going to miss Professor Bentley, but she was grateful that at least she got to say goodbye this time. Stepping forward Jasmine hugged her Professor and said, "Goodbye Professor Bentley". "I'll miss you."

*weeeeps*
 

There was no awkward silence, this is not what that was. Jasmine was a bright girl, and she was certain that by now rumours had gotten out about her stepping down... or at least, that someone was stepping down. It wasn't hard to put two and two together, especially not for a Ravenclaw.

Seren smiled warmly, her eyes gentle. "You don't need to thank me, you did that all on your own. Your hard work has paid off, and you are a very very capable herbologist... just know that," she replied, touched that Jasmine felt that way. Straightening up, she waited for a further response, but the one she got was different to what she expected... though, she wasn't sure what she had expected in the first place. The arms around her were warm and soft, and she returned the hug without question, holding the Ravenclaw close to her as tears formed in her eyes. "I hate goodbyes, so how about we don't do that, huh?" she choked out, "I'll miss you too, I truly will... until we meet again."

How many more of these would she have to endure? Because it was likely going to kill her, that, or she would end up looking like a shrivelfig from all the crying.

Jasmine smiled when Professor Bentley complemented her work and called her a capable Herbologist. Who would have ever thought that was possible? When she hugged the Professor though, she was unble to stop the tears from falling. Quickly wiping her eyes, Jasmine said, "I hate goodbyes too." Merlin she hated them, but it was better than the alternative.....lack of closure. Jasmine released the Professor and looked at her. "Until we meet again. I like that. Hasta la vista Professor Bentley. I'll think of you every time I look at my bonsai.". Yes, Charlie would remind her of Professor Bentley every day. "Good luck. I hope you enjoy the next chapter of your life." With that, Jasmine turned and left the office. Until we meet again Professor Bentley.

Ethan just…stared at the woman.

Not coming back next year. So, the rumours are true…and his observation about her packed things confirmed that his theory is correct. It’s one of those theories that he wished he deduced wrong. “Oh.” Ethan completely lost his smile, even the twinkle in his eyes when Bentley broke the news to him. “Well…I guess I came in just in time then. To bid you farewell and say my thanks.” He said looking at the floor, feeling his ears turn pink. Whyyyyyyyy does it have to be her??? “I—I know Herbology isn’t my strongest subject, but…um…I just want you to know that you inspired me to overcome that.” He said glancing up at the woman, then back down to his feet.

Back in his old school, he’d dread coming to Herbology class but Bentley definitely changed that. She made it a whole lot easier for the boy. Now, Ethan gained hope that he’ll be able to pursue his dreams as a Magical Forensics Wizard Detective Dude, by checking one of his weakest subject off of his ‘To-Master’ list.

Should he…? Well, maybe he should because he won’t see her again anytime soon, yes? Ethan gave Bentley a hug, and murmured, “Thanks for everything, professor.” The blond boy released her with a weak smile on his face, doing his best to be brave and NOT get too emotional.

No goodbyes, okay?